Mercedes SLK-Class: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Mercedes SLK-Class choice depends on whether the priority is low fuel consumption, acceleration, a manual gearbox, or lower kerb weight. The supplied catalogue covers Roadster versions from April 1996 to January 2020 across three generations, including restylings.
The Mercedes SLK-Class choice depends on whether the priority is low fuel consumption, acceleration, a manual gearbox, or lower kerb weight. The supplied catalogue covers Roadster versions from April 1996 to January 2020 across three generations, including restylings. The standout economy choice is the third-generation 2.1 AT9 at 4.7 l/100 km combined; the quickest is the restyled second-generation 3.5 MT at 5.4 seconds to 100 km/h; and the lightest is the first-generation 2.0 MT or 2.0 AT at 1,170 kg. Buyers seeking an SLK 350-style 3.5-litre version can compare outputs from 272 hp to 306 hp, while later four-cylinder alternatives reach 245 hp with lower combined consumption.
Mercedes SLK-Class generations: what changed
The first-generation Mercedes SLK-Class Roadster ran from April 1996 through January 2000 with six versions. Its range used 1,998 cc or 2,295 cc Gasoline engines, outputs of 136–193 hp, and 5-speed Manual or 5-speed Automatic gearboxes. Every version was RWD. Kerb weight started at 1,170 kg, making this the lightest generation in the catalogue.
Its restyling ran from February 2000 through February 2004 and also contained six versions. The engine selection broadened to include 3,199 cc V-shaped units alongside 1,998 cc and 2,295 cc Inline engines. Maximum output rose to 218 hp, while Manual versions gained 6 gears. The quickest listed restyled first-generation versions, 3.2 MT and 3.2 AT, both reached 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The second-generation Roadster ran from March 2004 through January 2009 with six versions. Choices ranged from the 163 hp 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT to the 272 hp 3.5 MT and 3.5 AT. The V-shaped 3.0 and 3.5 engines had no boost, while the Inline 1.8 used a Compressor. This generation combined 5-, 6-, and 7-speed transmissions with RWD.
Its restyling ran from December 2007 through March 2011 and offered six versions. The 1.8 versions increased from 163 hp to 184 hp, while the 3.5 versions rose from 272 hp to 305 hp. The restyled 3.5 MT and 3.5 AT cut acceleration to 5.4 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the earlier 3.5 MT and 0.1 seconds over the earlier 3.5 AT.
The third-generation Roadster ran from January 2011 through January 2020 and contained twelve versions. It introduced Turbo Gasoline and Diesel four-cylinder choices, retained a naturally aspirated 3.5 AT, and offered 6-speed Manual plus 7- and 9-speed Automatic transmissions. Outputs ranged from 156 hp to 306 hp, while combined consumption among measured versions ranged from 4.7 to 7.3 l/100 km.
Mercedes SLK-Class engine specs and transmissions
| Generation | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 2.0 MT (136 hp) | 136 hp | 190 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First | 2.0 MT (192 hp) | 192 hp | 270 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First | 2.0 AT (192 hp) | 192 hp | 270 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First | 2.3 MT | 193 hp | 280 Nm | 2,295 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First | 2.3 AT | 193 hp | 280 Nm | 2,295 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First | 2.0 AT (136 hp) | 136 hp | 190 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First, restyling | 2.0 MT | 163 hp | 230 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First, restyling | 2.3 MT | 197 hp | 280 Nm | 2,295 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First, restyling | 2.3 AT | 197 hp | 280 Nm | 2,295 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First, restyling | 3.2 MT | 218 hp | 310 Nm | 3,199 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First, restyling | 2.0 AT | 163 hp | 230 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First, restyling | 3.2 AT | 218 hp | 310 Nm | 3,199 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 1.8 MT | 163 hp | 240 Nm | 1,796 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second | 3.0 MT | 231 hp | 300 Nm | 2,996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second | 3.5 MT | 272 hp | 350 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second | 1.8 AT | 163 hp | 240 Nm | 1,796 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 3.0 AT | 231 hp | 300 Nm | 2,996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 3.5 AT | 272 hp | 350 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, restyling | 3.0 MT | 231 hp | 300 Nm | 2,996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, restyling | 3.5 MT | 305 hp | 360 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, restyling | 1.8 MT | 184 hp | 250 Nm | 1,796 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, restyling | 3.0 AT | 231 hp | 300 Nm | 2,996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, restyling | 3.5 AT | 305 hp | 360 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, restyling | 1.8 AT | 184 hp | 250 Nm | 1,796 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Compressor | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third | 1.8 MT (184 hp) | 184 hp | 270 Nm | 1,796 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third | 2.0 MT | 184 hp | 300 Nm | 1,991 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third | 2.1 AT7 | 204 hp | 500 Nm | 2,143 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third | 2.1 MT | 204 hp | 500 Nm | 2,143 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third | 2.1 AT9 | 204 hp | 500 Nm | 2,143 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third | 2.0 AT (184 hp) | 184 hp | 300 Nm | 1,991 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third | 2.0 AT (245 hp) | 245 hp | 370 Nm | 1,991 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third | 3.5 AT | 306 hp | 370 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third | 1.8 AT (184 hp) | 184 hp | 270 Nm | 1,796 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third | 1.8 AT (204 hp) | 204 hp | 310 Nm | 1,796 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third | 1.8 MT (204 hp) | 204 hp | 310 Nm | 1,796 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third | 1.6 AT | 156 hp | 250 Nm | 1,595 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
Calculated from the supplied displacement and output figures, the third-generation 2.0 AT with 245 hp delivers about 123 hp per litre. The third-generation 3.5 AT produces about 87 hp per litre, while the restyled second-generation 3.5 versions produce about 87 hp per litre as well. The 204 hp third-generation 1.8 AT and 1.8 MT reach about 114 hp per litre.
Performance, mpg and fuel economy
For maximum acceleration, the restyled second-generation 3.5 MT and 3.5 AT are the leaders: both reach 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and have a 250 km/h top speed. The third-generation 3.5 AT follows at 5.6 seconds and 250 km/h. The third-generation 2.0 AT with 245 hp needs 5.8 seconds and also reaches 250 km/h, but its combined consumption is 6.2 l/100 km versus 7.1 l/100 km for the 3.5 AT—a saving of 0.9 l/100 km.
The Diesel choices make the strongest economy case. The 2.1 AT9 records 5.5 l/100 km urban, 4.2 l/100 km highway, and 4.7 l/100 km combined, while reaching 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and 245 km/h. The 2.1 MT uses 6.4, 4.1, and 5.0 l/100 km respectively and is 0.1 second quicker to 100 km/h. The 2.1 AT7 also returns 5.0 l/100 km combined but needs 6.7 seconds.
Among measured third-generation Gasoline versions, the 1.8 AT with 184 hp and the 2.0 AT with 184 hp both record 6.1 l/100 km combined. The 2.0 AT is slightly lower in urban use at 7.9 versus 8.3 l/100 km, while the 1.8 AT is slightly lower on the highway at 4.9 versus 5.2 l/100 km. Both accelerate to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and reach 237 km/h.
The first-generation 2.0 MT with 136 hp records 9.1 l/100 km combined and reaches 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds. Its 136 hp 2.0 AT uses 9.3 l/100 km and takes 9.7 seconds. For the first-generation 192 hp 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT, consumption is not measured; acceleration and top speed for the Automatic are also not measured. For the third-generation 1.6 AT, acceleration, top speed, and every consumption figure are not measured.
Mercedes SLK 350 dimensions, weight and practical specs
No exterior length, width, or height is supplied, so those Mercedes SLK 350 dimensions are not measured in this catalogue. Weight, clearance, tank capacity, and selected wheel sizes are available.
The earlier second-generation 3.5 MT weighs 1,390 kg kerb and 1,780 kg gross; the 3.5 AT has the same weights. After restyling, the 3.5 MT weighs 1,410 kg kerb and 1,800 kg gross, while the 3.5 AT rises to 1,485 kg kerb with the same 1,800 kg gross weight. The third-generation 3.5 AT weighs 1,540 kg kerb and 1,855 kg gross. These figures equal roughly 5.1 kg per hp for the earlier 272 hp versions, 4.6 kg per hp for the restyled 305 hp 3.5 MT, 4.9 kg per hp for the restyled 305 hp 3.5 AT, and 5.0 kg per hp for the third-generation 306 hp 3.5 AT.
Ground clearance is 150 mm for every listed SLK-Class version. Tank capacity is 53 litres in the original first generation, 60 litres in the restyled first and third generations, and 70 litres in the second generation and its restyling.
Listed 3.5 wheel combinations are 225/45 R17 front and 245/40 R17 rear for both second-generation forms. The third-generation 3.5 AT instead lists 225/45 R17 and 245/45 R17. Where the wheel field is absent for another version, wheel size is not measured. Kerb and gross weight for the third-generation 1.6 AT are also not measured.
Which Mercedes SLK-Class version should you buy?
Choose the third-generation 2.1 AT9 if measured fuel economy and strong torque matter most. Its 500 Nm is the highest figure in the catalogue, its 4.7 l/100 km combined consumption is the lowest measured figure, and it still reaches 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. Compared with the 2.1 AT7, it uses 0.3 l/100 km less combined, reaches a top speed 2 km/h higher, and is 0.1 second quicker.
Choose the third-generation 2.0 AT with 245 hp for the strongest balance of Gasoline performance and economy. It is only 0.2 seconds slower to 100 km/h than the third-generation 3.5 AT, produces the same 370 Nm, and uses 0.9 l/100 km less combined. Its kerb weight is also 35 kg lower.
Choose the restyled second-generation 3.5 MT or 3.5 AT when outright measured acceleration is the priority. Both post 5.4 seconds to 100 km/h. The Manual weighs 75 kg less than the Automatic, so its calculated weight-to-power ratio is better even though output, torque, acceleration, and top speed are identical.
Choose the second-generation 1.8 MT if lower weight matters more than maximum performance. At 1,320 kg it is 70 kg lighter than the same-generation 3.5 MT, but it gives up 109 hp and needs 2.3 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h. The restyled 1.8 MT adds 21 hp and cuts the acceleration time by 0.3 seconds while reducing combined consumption from 8.7 to 7.7 l/100 km.
Choose the first-generation 2.0 MT with 136 hp for the lowest listed kerb weight. At 1,170 kg, it is 435 kg lighter than the third-generation 2.1 AT9, although its combined consumption is 4.4 l/100 km higher and its acceleration time is 2.7 seconds slower.
Price, purchase listings, engine-oil requirements, maintenance expense, reliability, and engine problems are not measured in the supplied data. They therefore cannot decide this comparison. On the available figures alone, the 2.1 AT9 is the economy choice, the 2.0 AT with 245 hp is the balanced Gasoline choice, and the restyled 3.5 MT is the performance choice with the most favorable calculated weight per horsepower among the 3.5-litre versions.